Game Review: Shrek the Third (Console Version)
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this is a video game based on the
movie of the same name. Parents looking for a movie tie-in game
should know that there are three separate games named
Shrek the Third. The version reviewed here is for the
consoles -- Nintendo Wii ($50), Microsoft Xbox 360 ($50), Sony
PlayStation 2 ($40) -- and for the PC ($20) and Sony
PlayStation Portable ($40). While this version tracks the
storyline of the movie, this game is all about beating up bad
guys. Although there is no blood, you inflict pain and
punishment on others in the game to make them fall down and
eventually disappear. The Nintendo DS version is more about
puzzle play and less about violence, making it the better
option for kids.
Families can talk about how developers extend the movie experience through games. Did this one stay true to the franchise? If you were responsible for developing a video game based on the Shrek character, what would your game look like? What makes the world of Shrek fun to play in?
Common Sense Media Review
If the giant green ogre and his pals tickled your funny bone
in
Shrek the Third
movie, you'll probably enjoy some of the SHREK THE THIRD
video game for the consoles. The same humor is present in small
doses.
This version created for the consoles (Xbox 360, PS2, and Wii), PSP, and the PC, is an action-adventure with a heavy emphasis on bashing the bad guys. It tracks the story presented in the movie, with Shrek searching the world of Far, Far Away to find the missing heir, Arthur. While Shrek is away, Prince Charming and his band of ragtag bad guys take over the castle.
As kids explore the 20 levels of the game, they will have the opportunity to play as Shrek, Puss-in-Boots, Donkey, Fiona, Arthur (Artie), and Sleeping Beauty. On each level you are assigned a character and a series of quests. These quests vary greatly, from playing through the level without dying, to finding a hidden geek in a locker, to destroying Captain Hook's piano. You need not accomplish all the quests on a level to go on to the next level.
In addition to accomplishing quests, you will also need to collect coins and smash everything in sight so as to acquire fairy dust, the commodity that allows your character to execute special power attacks.
The game can be played on three levels of difficulty. While it's mostly about combat, it also offers a little bit of puzzle play and six two-player mini-games (except on the PC, which only has one mini-game). The constant fighting gets old quickly, but the humor in the dialogue keeps it fun.
In the Wii version, combat is accomplished by shaking the Wii controller back and forth. Shaking the Nunchuk activates a more powerful attack. Ruffians simply fade away when kicked or punched. While it seems strange at first, this method of fighting quickly becomes second nature, and is easier than the button-mashing required in the other console versions.
If your kids like games that let them smash and bash everything in sight, then this is not a bad movie tie-in adventure. And the mini-games can be entertaining. The Nintendo DS version is the better game because it offers cooperative play for up to 3 players and focuses on puzzle play instead of combat.
If you like Shrek, you might want to check out Shrek 2 , another bash-'em-up, but a better game than this one because of the cooperative play aspect.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
